Train Travel to and from Istanbul Although there are trains labeled express, the term is usually a misnomer. These trains have several long-distance routes, but they tend to be slow. The best daily trains between Istanbul and Ankara are the Baskent Expres and the Fatih Expres. The overnight Yatakli Ankara Expres has luxurious sleeper cars; the Anadolu Expres has cheaper, less comfortable berths. There are overnight trains to Pamukkale as well as daily trains to Edirne from Sirkeci station in Istanbul. Dining cars on some trains have waiter service and serve surprisingly good and inexpensive food.
Trains from the west arrive at Sirkeci Station in Old Istanbul. Eastbound trains to Anatolia depart from Haydarpasa Station on the Asian side.
Fares & Schedules
Train fares tend to be lower than bus fares. Seats on the best trains, as well as those with sleeping berths, should be reserved in advance. In railroad stations, buy tickets at windows marked anahat giseleri. Travel agencies carrying the tcdd (State Railways) sign and some post offices sell train tickets, too.
Information: Haydarpasa Station (PHONE: 216/336-0475). Sirkeci Station (PHONE: 212/527-0050 or 212/527-0051). |
